If those in the bible struggled with this then what hope do we have in having an easy ride. The bible has never said we wouldn't struggle with this. Instead it gives us many warnings that we will. Ontop of that, being a Christian has never been trendy or cool, but rather it’s looked at as a boring religion.
What struggles are we facing? Life in itself is a struggle, but here are some things in life that can deviate you from walk with Christ.
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Increase of distractions. Being busy with life is probably the most common reason. Family, school, work, gym, social. Combine it all and it does consume most of our time. For some work is a huge distraction from their faith. Having to work weekends or wanting to rest on weekends, worrying about making enough money and so on. For others it maybe relationships, wanting to spend lots of time with your partner or friends.
For we brought nothing into this world, andit is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Some of them could be unsaved friends. As great as your friendships may be, if you evaluate your relationship who would you find is having more of an influence. Is the Christian more likely to speak to the unbeliever about Christ, or do you find that the Christian is more vulnerable to be put in situations that don’t glorify God? Having friends of a different faith can be challenging. We may feel embarrassed to share our views and we keep our faith to ourselves. Sadly in some cases you’ll find that the influence is so strong that the Christian ends up leaving their walk with Christ.
On the other hand these kind relationships can be a blessing. If we are sharing the gospel and encouraging our friends to come to church or a fellowship, they may begin to ask questions and before you know it they're giving their life to Christ.
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Another reason why we may find it hard to be a Christian is because we have a lack of understanding of the word of God. Not truly understanding the word of God leaves a lot of room for assumption. This is why we see a lot of Christians living a life thats contary to the word of God.
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Lastly, there's entertainment. Adam and Eve sinned when they didn't have much around them. Though they didn't have technology, friends etc, they had the serpent facing them head on. In our lives what we find is that the serpent is hiding in our TV shows, internet, social groups and so on. This is why the bible tells us to be watchful because the serpent is not obvious, it disguises itself very seductively hence we must be extremely attentive. Not only this, but we must make bibilcaly consious decisions in our lives.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
So, what can we do? Trying to surround yourself with more followers of Christ. Having Christian friends is vital. Somone to share your struggles with and confine in. This differs from other friendships as your focus will be Christ. No better common ground. With this you'll find advice will be different. I.e. the Chrisitan friend will encourgae you to refrain from certain things when dating where as the other friend could downplay certain acts and make you feel it's normal.
If you don't have any Chrisitan friends, ask God for some. Try and speak to others at church, engage in fellowships. Don't be the one that's last in and first out. Also, don't narrow your search to someone who is similar to you, give diffrent people a chance. The end goal is a to find a Godly friend, not the most trendy or funny friend.
Focus on your word, the more you read, the more revelation you will have, the less interested you'll be in what's going on around you. If you're struggling with you maths homework you read your maths book right? You're not going to find answers in anything else. Its the same with Gods word. If we struggle to follow him, then we need to spend more time with him. If you find reading difficult, find a buddy to read with or set your self easy tasks (1 verse a week even). Also, try starting with the New Testament. It's an easy read to begin with.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Pray about temptations. Some things you may not want to share with others, and so pray about them. Ask God to help you overcome these tempations, to re-align your desires.
"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
Lastly, get someone to disciple you. Having accountability can help keep you in the will of God. A true disciple will encourage you, pray with you and genuinely care for your spiritual well being.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
As much as we all struggle, the bible warns us about living a life that doesn't bring Glory to God. So even though we struggle, we must be working towards changing our lives around. Our lives should change to reflect Gods work in us and if our lives have not change, then do we really have God? The bible also makes it clear that living a life according to Gods word is a constant battle. However, by being on your guard and implenting his word, we are able to turn away from making un-Godly choices.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Galations 5:17
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
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